Owen Sterling's explanation was well-reasoned and logical. But inwardly, he had come to resent Seraphina Sterling. He had already promised Leo Fenton he could marry Seraphina, and now this had happened. After dealing with the old man, he would still have to figure out how to handle Leo Fenton! 'What a mess this all is!'
'Looks like my Second Uncle isn't completely useless after all,' she thought. 'At least he's quick on his feet and has a silver tongue. He completely turned things around with just a few words!'
"I'm sorry, Second Uncle. I misunderstood. I see now you were using the villa as collateral for a loan!" Seraphina Sterling's apology was delivered with such sincerity and grace that no one could find any fault in it. No matter how many retorts and accusations Owen Sterling had bottled up, he couldn't utter a single one. She had already admitted her misunderstanding, and as her elder, if he continued to press the matter, he would be the one to look petty and unforgiving.
